This winter is coming fast, faster then you or your house may be ready. Besides the fear of the rising oil prices, you shouldn’t have to worry about your furnace or heater not working properly. Having a heating system service done now will ensure that the heat will come on when it is finally needed.
New Furnace Replacement
If your furnace is somewhat old, it can’t offer many more years of service, and even if it did, you can be sure that a new, high efficiency model will save you money in the long run because of its design. There are substantial efficiency gains available with all new furnaces these days, especially the direct-vent gas models that don’t need a chimney. We live in a world where energy prices are volatile and will stay that way. Natural gas prices could skyrocket in the short term, just as oil prices could. But in the long run, given the furnace technologies available right now, a new natural gas furnace remains an excellent choice. Insurance companies everywhere are exercising more control over residential oil storage equipment because of the major hazards and expenses posed by oil leaks. There’s good reason for the higher level of caution.
Air Duct Cleaning
Clean air ducts are very important for the health of everyone in your home. An odor is normal when starting a furnace or heater because dust collects on the heat exchanger over the summer, and turning it on for the first time simply burns the dust off. Carbon monoxide is odorless, so you could not smell it. Homeowners should install a good carbon monoxide detector to make sure none of this deadly poison is present in their homes. When you turn on your furnace for the first time leave the windows open to dispel the odor quickly. This is also the ideal time to schedule a maintenance appointment to make sure your furnace will work properly when you need it.
A furnace maintenance check-up should consist of the following:
- Inspect thermostat for proper operation.
- Inspect filter and change or clean as needed.
- Check all electrical components and controls.
- Oil motors as needed.
- Inspect heat exchanger for possible cracks. A crack in the heat exchanger will introduce carbon monoxide into the living space.
- Check air flow. If diminished, it may be necessary to clean the evaporator coil.
- Check air fuel mixture, where appropriate.
- Troubleshooting any problems.
- Schedule an appointment today.